In The News
Sen. Josh Hawley intends to introduce legislation banning “‘manipulative’ online game features he says can push children to become addicted to technology,” The Hill’s Emily Birnbaum writes. “Hawley’s Protecting Children from Abusive Games Act would prohibit games geared toward children from implementing features that prompt users to pay real-world money to advance in the game, called ‘pay-to-win,’ or receive rewards at random for a fee, called ‘loot boxes.’”
Sixty-five percent of American “adults in the United States play video games,” the Entertainment Software Association announced in a press release for “2019 Essential Facts About the Computer and Video Game Industry.” The report notes that “more than three-quarters reported that video games provide them with mental stimulation (79%) as well as relaxation and stress relief (78%).”
Konami saw another year of growth with the release of “its latest financial results,” GI.biz’s James Batchelor reports. “For the year ended March 31, 2019, the company reported ¥262.5 billion ($2.37 billion) in revenue, up 9.6% over the previous year. Operative profit, meanwhile, rose by 11.8% to ¥50.5 billion ($456 million).”
Sega acquired Two Point Studios, PC Gamer’s Andy Chalk reports. “It has acquired the studio after working with it as a publisher for more than two years. Sega said the acquisition is the first to come about as a direct result of Sega Europe’s Searchlight program.”
Google Play’s rating system is being overhauled, according to a blog post. “So instead of a lifetime cumulative value, your Google Play Store rating will be recalculated to give more weight to your most recent ratings.”
CD Projekt Red’s merch store is officially open. It features products from Cyberpunk 2077, The Witcher and Gwent.
Extra Esports News:
Super League Gaming and NetLevel are partnering, VentureBeat’s Giancarlo Valdes reports. “The company announced that it’s working with NetLevel to bring its live esports competitions — featuring games like League of Legends, Minecraft, and Clash Royale — to hundreds of movie theaters in the U.S., tripling the number of locations it’s currently in.”
Interviews: eUnited’s Preston “Prestinni” Sanderson (Dot Esports), Gen.G’s Dylan “Envoy” Hannon (Dot Esports), Twitch’s Justin Dellario (TEO), Incognito’s Erin Hughes (Esports Insider).
Happy birthdays Kang “Solar” Min Soo and Abhishek “Prince Abu” Prabhu!